Gelatin hydrogel with basic fibroblast growth factor for tympanic membrane regeneration

Area of Science:

• Regenerative medicine
• Otolaryngology
• Biomaterials science

Background:

• Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) aids tympanic membrane perforation closure.
• Gelatin hydrogels offer sustained release of bFGF through polymer degradation, maintaining therapeutic effects.
• Previous research supports the use of gelatin hydrogel-bFGF formulations for prolonged drug delivery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a sustained release formulation of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) using gelatin hydrogel.
• To evaluate the efficacy of this bFGF-gelatin hydrogel in promoting tympanic membrane regeneration.
• To establish a novel therapy for tympanic membrane perforations.

Main Methods:

• Tympanic membrane perforations were created in guinea pig ears using a CO(2) laser.
• Perforated tympanic membranes were treated with bFGF-gelatin hydrogel, saline-gelatin hydrogel, or served as controls.
• Histologic analysis (hematoxylin and eosin staining) was performed to assess tissue regeneration.

Main Results:

• The bFGF-gelatin hydrogel group achieved complete perforation closure in all ears.
• Control groups showed persistent large perforations or thinned tympanic membranes post-treatment.
• Histology revealed regeneration of all tympanic membrane layers (mucosal, epithelial, and fibrous) in the bFGF-gelatin hydrogel group.

Conclusions:

• Gelatin hydrogel impregnated with bFGF effectively induces tympanic membrane regeneration.
• This formulation offers a conservative and effective treatment for tympanic membrane perforations.
• The study demonstrates the potential of bFGF-loaded hydrogels for advancing ear drum repair therapies.